Top 6 Ways to Save Money on Transmission Repair
Top 6 Ways to Save Money on Transmission Repair in San Jose, CA
If your plan is to spend fewer dollars on repairs or transmission rebuilds while improving your vehicle’s performance, then it is essential that you engage in consistent maintenance. While some of these maintenance tasks are handled mainly by a trusted transmission shop, you may still need to check how you handle your vehicle and your driving habits.
Our driving habits can sometimes be the source of transmission problems. Well, there are several effective ways you can reduce any transmission repair cost, which we will discuss in this blog.
Symptoms of Transmission Failure
Regardless of the type of transmission issue you have, automatic transmission/manual transmission, you still need to stop at an auto repair shop for maintenance. Like any part of your vehicle, detecting any transmission problem is vital to cutting costs, saving yourself hundreds of dollars, and preventing any further damage to your vehicle.
This is why it is critical that you learn to recognize all warning signs of transmission problems and what to do before the problem worsens.
Here are some signs of transmission failure.
1. Refusal to Switch Gears
Most times, you may notice your car struggling or refusing to switch gears when you are on the road. This is a clear sign that your transmission system might have developed a problem. One major reason why this happens is usually a result of incorrect or low transmission fluid.
2. Slipping Gears
When you are driving and your gears slip impulsively, it can be a scary, alarming, and dangerous situation. When you are faced with this problem, it is recommended that you don’t drive at all. You may also notice that the engine revs up when you change gears, and that the car takes longer to speed up. In addition, when your transmission slips, you may also hear strange noises and notice a harsh response, especially when you try to shift gears.
3. Dragging Clutch
If you notice that your vehicle’s dragging clutch is refusing to disengage from the flywheel, especially when you try to press the clutch pedal of your vehicle, you might have a transmission problem. This can eventually lead to the gears clashing and the car moving when you try to shift gears.
4. Leaking Transmission Fluid
Another easy transmission issue to identify is leaking transmission fluid. Once you can smell a sweet-smelling red fluid underneath your vehicle, then it might be time to visit your trusted auto shop for a checkup and maintenance. Your mechanic will check your vehicle and inspect it for any leaks.
5. Shaking and Grinding
Another common issue with some vehicles designed with automatic transmissions is the grinding and shaking that happens when the gears are switched. This is a clear sign that there may be a problem with your transmission system that needs to be fixed right away.
Ways To Save Money on Transmission Repair
Since transmission services like repair and replacement could cost you a lot, it is important that you familiarize yourself with how to avoid these repair costs. These easy ways that won’t break the bank will help your car’s transmission work better and keep it in good shape.
Here are a few budget-friendly and effective options to keep you from spending too much on repair or replacement.
Be Consistent With the Manufacturer’s Recommended Carrying and Towing Capacity
One of the reasons your car’s transmission has problems is that it gets too hot from being overworked. This can eventually damage the transmission system completely. If you always carry or pull heavy loads, make sure you don’t go over the maximum weight for your vehicle’s model and brand.
Have a Regular Transmission Service
Putting just the right amount of oil in your vehicle keeps your engine from crashing unnecessarily. The same applies to your transmission system. When you put clean transmission fluid in the right amount; your vehicle’s transmission system will work as smoothly and effectively as new.
Because of this, it is very important that you take your car to a trustworthy auto repair shop to check for transmission leaks. To keep your transmission system in good shape, you should also always make an appointment for a transmission fluid flush.
Use a High-Performance Transmission Fluid
Another good way to make sure your transmission works well and has no problems is to make sure you use only quality transmission fluid. Even though the fluid’s effects are subtle, they make sure that your transmission system lasts as long as possible and stop any signs of wear.
So, if you want to save money on repairs, you should only buy the best fluids for your transmission.
Always Stop Before Shifting
One of the best ways to save money on transmission system repairs is to drive in a safe way. These habits include never switching between drives or making a reverse without first parking the vehicle. Once you make either of the two common mistakes, you are putting up your vehicle for transmission component damage.
When this happens, you will have to visit the auto shop for a quick repair, which might cost you more money than you expected.
Get an External Cooler
As a car owner, if you tow heavy loads with your vehicle often, then it is important that you get an extra transmission oil cooler by the side. This air cooler helps your transmission system perform better.
In addition, it also keeps the transmission fluid cool, especially when it flows through the gearbox. Having extra transmission oil on hand is necessary, as system fluids tend to break down sometimes, especially when they are overheated.
Have a Routine Cooling System Service
Your vehicle’s cooling system is responsible for keeping the transmission cool. So, you must take very good care of your car’s cooling system every year because if it overheats, you could have a problem with the transmission.
You also need to ensure that the coolant is always clean and at optimal levels. You can trust your local auto repair shop to do this for you while inspecting for leaks or replacing any bad parts.
Check Your Transmission System in San Jose, California
Because your vehicle’s transmission is the singular element that allows your vehicle to get the power needed from its engine, it nevertheless influences your vehicle’s performance. There is absolutely no need to spend hundreds of hard-earned dollars on transmission repair services when you can spend a few bucks on maintenance.
So, if you need affordable, professional, high-quality, and friendly car maintenance or repairs in San Jose, call Mike’s Transmissions to make an appointment.
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